Conservation Science

A species that supports an entire ecosystem and can be an indication of how healthy the ecosystem is.

• Keystone Species

• Herbivores

• Umbrella Species

• Predators

What is a keystone species?

• A species that helps to hold an ecosystem together

• A species that lives in or around rocks

• Keys and stones have nothing to do with ecology

• A keystone isn't a living thing, it's just a stone

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Why are bees considered a keystone species?

• The honey they make supports the bear population

• They pollinate flowers that produce fruit which supports the ecosystem

• They sting when threatened

• They live in hives

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What are possible negative outcomes of forest being cleared to make room for farmland?

• Fewer trees for animal habitats

• Fertilizers create run-off into a nearby stream, polluting it.

• Less room for animals to hunt and find shelter

• Birds find seeds and insects on plowed fields

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What happens to any forest ecosystem when the land is cleared for farming?

• The forest ecosystem will be destroyed.

• The forest ecosystem will be healthy.

• The forest ecosystem will be relocated.

• The forest ecosystem will be unaffected.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How does the introduction of a non-native species affect the native wildlife?

• The non-native species will compete with other predators for its food

• The prey of the non-native species could become endangered

• The non-native species will cooperate with other predators

• The ecosystem will not likely be affected by the introduction of a non-native species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

In which way do humans have a negative impact on the environment?

• burn fossil fuels
• recycle cans
• reuse a paper bag

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

This is a protected area that is mostly off-limits to humans, and the natural ecosystem is largely protected. No logging or hunting.

• Bird sanctuary

• National park

• landfill

• ecozone

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

This may provide a place where many endangered species can mate and nest and raise young. No camping or hunting!

• Bird sanctuary

• National park

• landfill

• ecozone

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Conservation officers work to support the following

• protection of animals

• protection of plants

• regulating and enforcing hunting laws

• all of the above